NFL Playoff Schedule 2016: TV Info and Bracket Predictions for Divisional Round
The NFL's version of the Elite Eight are set to battle for four spots in the conference championships on Saturday and Sunday. The byes are over, and the pretenders have been sent home. Here's a look at the weekend's postseason schedule and TV information.
Saturday, Jan. 16
AFC Divisional Round Game 1: New England Patriots vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 4:35 p.m. ET, CBS
NFC Divisional Round Game 1: Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:15 p.m. ET, NBC
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Sunday, Jan. 17
NFC Divisional Round Game 2: Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1:05 p.m. ET, Fox
AFC Divisional Round Game 2: Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:40 p.m. ET, CBS
Can't Bet Against the Patriots at Home
The New England Patriots have battled injuries all season. The offensive line that is charged with protecting quarterback Tom Brady is not exactly fearsome. The Kansas City Chiefs defense recorded 47 sacks this season, which was good for fourth in the NFL.
Still, it's hard to go against the Patriots at home. New England is 32-5 at Gillette Stadium, with regular-season and postseason games combined, dating back to the 2012 regular season. It is 4-1 at home in the playoffs during that span.
It wouldn't be a shock to see the Chiefs win, but the safe prediction is for the Pats to continue their winning ways at home.
Arizona Will Make a Statement
There may still be a question as to whether the Arizona Cardinals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders; there won't be after Saturday's game against the Green Bay Packers.
With all due respect to Green Bay and its resurgent performance against Washington last week, this game will be the only blowout of the weekend. Arizona needed the time off during the bye week, but it will be ready to show that it is the most complete team in the NFC.
Quarterback Carson Palmer has the weapons on offense, and Arizona's defense will again expose the Packers' inconsistent attack in a game that will be over in the third quarter.
Seattle Will Prove Carolina Isn't Quite Ready
Most would say the Seattle Seahawks were lucky to escape with a win against the Minnesota Vikings in their wild-card matchup. There's some truth to that. Blair Walsh's missed 27-yard field goal and quarterback Russell Wilson's brilliant scramble-and-toss after a poor snap in the fourth quarter will definitely cause some to use the "L" word.
That said, we must remember the Seahawks looked as dominant as any team in the NFL coming into the playoffs. They were nearly beaten by a talented and nasty Minnesota defense that will be among the league's best for years to come. Not to mention, it was colder than an Eskimo's nose during the game.
Playing on the road against the 15-1 Carolina Panthers is clearly no easy task. Quarterback Cam Newton deserves to win the league MVP. He and his defense have been excellent all season. However, with a week to reflect and appreciate the narrow victory over Minnesota, the Seahawks will be locked in against Carolina.
The Seahawks defense is again playing at a championship level, and that will make this another grind-it-out game. As great as Newton is, Seattle has the defense to expose his lack of quality receiving options.
He won't be able to pull this one out with the likes of receivers Ted Ginn Jr., Jerricho Cotchery and Devin Funchess. Expect Wilson to make enough plays on third down, wideout Doug Baldwin to break loose from cornerback Josh Norman, and the Seahawks defense to force enough turnovers to engineer another close and exciting victory.
Peyton's Resurgence and Steelers' Health Will Propel Broncos
The stage is set for Peyton Manning to have one last memorable moment on a football field. Manning will be the man under center when the Denver Broncos host the wounded Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is banged up, but most expect he'll give it a go:
The news might not be as promising for wide receiver Antonio Brown, per Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com:
The duo sliced the vaunted Broncos defense to bits in a 34-27 Week 15 victory. Roethlisberger threw for three touchdowns, and Brown caught 16 passes for 189 yards and two scores. With one or both out or compromised Sunday, the Steelers offense won't have the necessary firepower to outscore a motivated and ready Manning and Co.
Denver will win at home.
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